Greetings from Luanshya!
This has been one of the busiest weeks in the Christian Resource Centre
that we can remember. We have enrolled nearly as many students in the
Bible Correspondence School in the last five days as we did in the
entire month of February. A number of the students are asking pretty
penetrating questions. One man specifically wanted to know if there was
any hope of salvation for the "mad" people that are wandering around the
streets of Luanshya. I explained that we do not know the full
circumstances of why they have lost control of their mental faculties.
Some of them we know are a result of substance abuse. Others we really
have no history. At least we know that there are people who are
concerned for these individuals and are praying for them.
Sherry's College and Career Class continue on Friday. Last week they
spoke about depression and the comfort of God and how the apostle Paul
dealt with situations in his own life. One must experience suffering in
order to truly know God's comfort. Paul had experienced trials,
afflictions, sorrows and suffering and through it all he learned of
God's great mercy and love. His experience in suffering did not make him
bitter, but thankful for the experience that he would be able to share
with real heartfelt understanding the experiences of others, and share
also with them the "God of all comfort." Paul had drawn near to God in
all his distress and times of tribulation, and God did not fail him.
Please continue to pray for those who are participating.
The rain situation is becoming serious. Though we have had a lot of rain
this season, the farms are concerned that the late season rains are
insufficient. One of the families in our church who have a small farm
have had to early harvest some of their crops because the field is
getting dry. Last year Zambia boasted a bumper harvest. This year we may
be struggling in some parts of the country. Please pray for our
situation and the believers who will be affected. Almost every adult
member in the churches where we serve has at least a few acres of
farmland on the outskirts of town.
This coming Saturday Sherry has a ladies meeting with women from several
congregations. She will be teaching about Elijah and the fact that
fatigue makes cowards of us all. Time management is a very necessary
component in the life of any busy individual and Zambian women are
incredibly busy with house, home, family and very often a business at
the market place. Pray for those who plan to attend.
We appreciate the fact that you share in our ministry. We are here
because you care.
In His Service,
Patrick & Sherry
